Sports briefs
Eagles’ starting QB remains mystery
Eagles coach Doug Pederson doesn’t plan to reveal whether Carson Wentz or Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles will start the season opener until 90 minutes before the game.
Wentz has been recovering from surgery last December to repair a torn ACL and LCL in his left knee. He is practicing, but hasn’t been medically cleared for contact.
“I’ve made comments that his arm was live and throwing some really, really nice throws and very strong,” Pederson said Tuesday. “Then when he came back into the 11-on-11, one of the noticeable changes again, or differences, was just his lower body strength and how well he’s progressed through his rehab and conditioning.”
Foles struggled in two preseason games and won’t play Thursday night against the New York Jets. The offense didn’t score any points on 14 drives with Foles under center in the preseason. However, he was missing nearly all starters at the skill positions.
Pederson indicated he would make a decision Friday, but doesn’t plan to disclose which quarterback will line up when Philadelphia hosts the Atlanta Falcons Sept. 6 until game day.
“This is still preseason and we’re giving all our quarterbacks reps at this time,” Pederson said. “When you get into the regular season and start game planning, then you want whoever that gentlemen is going to be, to take the full complement of reps.”
Bengals sign Atkins, Dunlap to extensions
The Bengals agreed to contract extensions Tuesday with defensive tackle Geno Atkins and end Carlos Dunlap, their top pass rushers who were entering the final years on their deals.
Dunlap tweeted about the “Back to Back” deals before they were confirmed by the team. Atkins’ agents confirmed on Twitter he got a four-year deal , while Dunlap was extended for three years . The deals reportedly could be worth a combined $110 million if all terms are fulfilled.
“We have worked diligently to develop and retain talent over the years, and these contracts keep two of our best players with us for the foreseeable future,” coach Marvin Lewis said in a statement.
The Bengals made extensions for their top two defensive players a priority. Dunlap didn’t participate in some offseason team activities, forcing the issue before the sides got immersed in extension talks.
The Bengals cleared some salary cap room for the deals when they released receiver Brandon LaFell and safety George Iloka during training camp, opening spots for younger and less-expensive players.
Magicstar wins Meadows feature
Delcrest Magicstar, who had been competitive but winless in recent starts against The Meadows distaff elite, took advantage of a drop into a $12,700 condition trot Tuesday with a 5-length romp.
Delcrest Magicstar got away second for Brian Zendt but quarter-poled to the point. The 4-year-old daughter of Majestic Son-Star’s Balance thwarted the first-over bid of Fireball’s Prayers and downed Rose Run Reanna in 1:55.3 while the pocket-sitting Saint Beth finished third.
Bill Bercury trains Delcrest Magicstar, who lifted her career bankroll to $172,459, for Renee Bercury.
Mike Wilder collected four wins, including a pair for trainer Spencer Kahrig, while Dave Palone enjoyed a triple on the 13-race card.